Posted October 11th, 2012

The Rockland County Department of Health offers free rabies shots (vaccinations) for cats, dogs and ferrets on Sunday, October 14, 2012, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Rockland County Fire Training Center, 35 Firemen’s Memorial Drive in Pomona. No appointment is needed. The shots are free, however a $5 donation per animal will help defray our costs.

“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Rockland County. We remind all residents to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date,” said Dr. Joan Facelle, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

To get their free rabies shot:

· Your dog, cat or ferret must be healthy

· Your pet must be older than three months

· Your dogs must be on a leash

· Your cats and ferrets must be on a leash or in a top-opening container

New York State law requires that all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Owners can be fined up to $200 if they fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep them up to date. If an unvaccinated pet, or one that’s overdue on its vaccination, comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be destroyed or strictly quarantined for six months. Vaccinated animals that come in contact with wild animals can be given booster vaccinations, but these shots must be given within five days of exposure.

For more information on animal rabies or the vaccine please call the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2594.